A big birthday year? In early 2024 Daylight Music will enter its 15th year.

It's been a long while since the days of myspace, but as our series approaches these milestones we’d like to reach out and connect again to our community to ask if you can help us fundraise for a year of events as we continue to present music in inspiring and welcoming spaces, with the best sound and the most affordable delicious homemade food.

We know we are not alone in the music world trying to continue, but we know we are making a difference to all those who can attend, perform and volunteer. Can you help us bring more music, more escapism, more warmth into the world?

Obviously don’t just take our word for why our series matters; let’s hear from some of the recent audiences who experienced our series:

‘I love how inclusive Daylight Music is . There are not enough opportunities to expose children to good music that are so welcoming and unpatronising’ - Galia from Bethnal Green

For over fourteen years and 360-something outings, Arctic Circle's Daylight Music has been ‘there’ in the background supporting London’s live music scene, with its constantly evolving mix of music, delicious cake (something for everyone with vegan and gluten free options), and iconic and welcoming spaces. It has been featured regularly in Time Out’s 101 Things To Do in London and cited in The Rough Guide to Make the Most of Your Time in Britain.

We need to raise money in advance for hiring the venue, bringing in a sound system with a van to transport it and an experienced engineer, who will set up and pack down. Then there are all the weeks of preparation, the costs of design, media and website. We also want to make sure we can financially compensate our musicians for their time and transport, which cannot always come from the Pay-What-You-Can door entry.

Our last three successful crowdfunders and a series of Arts Council award have allowed us to continue till July 2023. We now look ahead with some ambitious plans for our series from the Autumn 2023 till Summer 2024 – these include our existing homes in London - Bethnal Green, Leytonstone and South London, alongside events outside of London in Kent. For this we launch this crowdfunder alongside another Arts Council Project Grant application, as well as launching our membership scheme and continuing our merchandise range.

'Beautiful sounds. Lovely that the family can enjoy. Very inspiring for the kids and adults.' – Priscilla and Malcolm from London

In a more recent update as of October 2023 we found out our 2nd attempt at the Arts Council Project Grant for the funding had been rejected, which had a major impact on the series’ future.

Thankfully because of what has been donated here so far, we are able to announce a small run of shows and as we gain supporters and donations and we get nearer our target, we plan to keep adding more.

As we all continue to slowly reconnect with the magic of the live experience we’d like to celebrate with some spectacular events, in spectacular venues. Can you help us make this possible?

Thanks for reading and supporting,

Ben Eshmade

Arctic Circle’s Daylight Music